click here to Chapter 5 activity

Wow!  I can see the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the Capitol, and even the White House!!!"

 

Hi Woody readers! I’m in a slice of heaven known as the National Mall. It’s unbelievable, all the buildings, memorials, and monuments that are located in the central area of D.C. known as the Mall. After hours in the Smithsonian, and landing from my walk on the moon, we left the Smithsonian Museums in search of some notable monuments. Everyone knew how I had been excited to see the monuments and memorials. I had been working in my Washington, D.C. coloring book and I wanted to see how my artistic effort compared. The Jefferson Memorial was our first stop. Before our visit to the National Archives, I really didn’t know much about Thomas Jefferson. As a founding father, the third president of the United States, and the author of the Declaration of Independence, it was clear why he had a memorial all his own. It was beautiful. The dome-shaped rotunda, the statue of Jefferson, and passages from the declaration gave me goose bumps!

 

We were on our way to another monument when Dad suggested we stop for a picnic on the grassy area of the Mall. Funny, I wasn’t tired, but I didn’t say no to food. As Mom was handing out the sandwiches she had packed, she asked me a question. "Woody, when the man at the National Archives asked you your name, why did you say ‘Dogwood’?"  I knew someone in my family would notice, so I tried to explain.  "Well, Woody is fine for my family and friends to call me when we’re home in Kentucky, but I figured since we were in our nation’s capital, I needed to sound more serious, more dignified."  "I don’t understand," Mom said. "Everyone in D.C. has such serious names," I said. "It’s Thomas – not Tommy Jefferson. Benjamin – not Benji Franklin. George – not Georgie Washington. I’m just a little-bitty, small-town, ordinary wiener dog - not a big-time, intelligent politician. I didn’t want anyone to laugh at me!" Mom picked me up and gave me a kiss.  "Finish your sandwich. I want to show you something," Mom said.  In a flash, we were at yet another memorial.

"This," Mom said, "is the Lincoln Memorial, dedicated to our 16th president." Many believe he was our greatest president. He led the nation through the Civil War, gave memorable speeches such as his Gettysburg Address, and freed the slaves. And you know what, Dogwood?" Mom asked. "Mr. Lincoln was just a small-town, ordinary country boy from Kentucky. He was born in a log cabin on his father’s farm and didn’t have much money, but he educated himself to become a lawyer and politician. Everyone called him "Honest Abe" since he was known for his character and integrity.  I bet he was never ashamed of his name, his birthplace, or even his size. In fact, most of our founding fathers were ordinary men from all over, doing extraordinary things." Mom and I smiled at each other as I soaked in what she had said. "How about we visit the Washington Monument, Dogwood?" "Sounds great!" I replied.  "And Mom, please call me Woody!"

 

Before I could turn around, we were standing at the base of the Washington Monument. Out of all the monuments in my coloring book, this was a favorite, though I didn’t know exactly why.  Maybe because it paid tribute to our country’s first president. It might have been the 50 flags – one representing each state – around the base, or maybe because it was so tall! Dad suggested we take the elevator to the top. It didn’t take long for the four of us to reach the top of the tallest structure in D.C.  Looking out of the 555-foot building, Chloe and I were amazed at all we saw.  We could see memorials we had just visited as well as get a view of the Capitol and White House. I was amazed that I didn’t even need my Snoopy binoculars.  It was clear as a bell!  I also was beginning to realize that so many men like Washington and Jefferson had sacrificed so much for my freedom! I couldn’t get enough of learning about our country!

 

"Dad, I can’t wait any longer! We must go to the Capitol and the White House!"  "Let’s go!" Dad replied. I can’t wait to tell you what happens!  In the meantime, work and dream like a big dog!

 

Woody, a k a Mr. Dogwood

 

Thanks to LG&E/KU both E.ON companies and KPA for making this project possible. Thanks to the Kentucky Secretary of State for sponsoring the new podcast. For podcast and questions and activities go online to www.kypress.com.